The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AS the benefactors of the use of the DW Davis Gymnasium, Jason Saunders said it was only fitting that their Panthers and Defenders ladies and men’s volleyball teams give back something tangible to the school’s athletic programme.

Yesterday, Saunders and respective team captains Ja’Nae and J’Vaughn Saunders, along with New Providence Volleyball Association first vice president Adalbert Ingraham, made a presentation to the administration and physical education department of the school.

They presented volleyballs, nets and drawstring bags for the players on the Scorpions’ girls and boys volleyball teams as they prepare for the start of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 2019 season next month.

The donations were made possible through Kevin Munroe of Central Gas, who has sponsored the Panthers for the past 10 years.

Saunders said this was just an extension of what the sport has done for their players both academically and athletically.

“Everyone that plays on our team has either been to college or will be going to college,” said Saunders, who also coaches the team.

“We just thought that we would give back to DW Davis, that portion that was given to us.

“We thought the nets and balls and tote bags would just be a start because it’s more than just that. We also have to donate our time and our monies as well to ensure that young persons coming out can also benefit from what we have accomplished.”

Calling DW Davis their home where the Panthers have practiced since their inception 10 years ago and where they play under the NPVA, Saunders said it was the most fitting school to support in this initial venture.

“As adults, we have a priority to the young,” Saunders said.

“At the end of the day, when we are no longer on this scene, they are the ones who have to carry on. And so we must leave a legacy and a name and there’s no better way to do that than helping them.”

Principal Nicolette Brown, accompanied by vice principals Dr Sterling McPhee and Monique Miller, thanked both the NPVA and the Panthers and Defenders clubs for their joint donation.

“We have a wonderful working relationship with this organisation for many years now,” Brown said.

“I see this gesture as having to build and mold the lives and characters of our students and also it will help to promote student athletes.

“This is one of our major thrusts here at DW Davis.

“While we have some vibrant sporting teams, we also promote student athleticism and I thank again, Mr Saunders and his team for this gesture and we hope that it will serve as well and we will go far as a result of this contribution today.”

Hector Rolle, the head of the Physical Education Department at DW Davis, said the gifts will definitely help their Scorpions teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

“We’re hoping to make the playoffs. We haven’t made the playoffs in the last two years,” said Rolle, who coaches the junior girls’ team and Mark Hanna will coach the junior boys.

“We re trying to get the kids up to the level that we can compete in the GSSSA. We hope to see some better results than what we got last year.”

Both Scorpions teams failed to make the playoffs last year, finishing in fifth place in the GSSSA final regular season.

Rolle said they had a successful showing with the boys winning the basketball title, but they want to feel the thrill of victory in other sports as well.